Dr. Juan Reyna Models Survivorship

This weekend, Urology San Antonio’s president and CEO Dr. Juan Reyna participated in the American Cancer Society’s Ranch Chic Fashion show at the Shops at La Cantera. The show is a fundraiser for the ACS and a prelude to the organization’s annual Cattle Baron’s Gala. Dr. Reyna, a urologist who was diagnosed and treated for kidney cancer in 2004, was one of fourteen “celebrity survivor models” chosen to display the season’s fashions alongside a dozen professional models.

Dr. Reyna has never been to a fashion show, much less strutted the runway in layers of Ralph Lauren. He’s humble and reserved, with a keen intuition for business and a gracious manner, not the type of personality usually associated with modeling. Yet, a few steps down the carpet, his eyes connected with his family and cheering supporters, and he became the embodiment of confidence and vivaciousness.

His step and smile radiated optimism and enthusiasm. The contrast to the emotions we associate with a cancer was striking, especially for those who have seen the subtle and not so subtle ways that the gravity of a cancer diagnosis affects individuals.

In the fashion world, sexiness is not an accessory or a style; it’s a state of mind. Watching the show this weekend, it was obvious, survivorship is too.